Kelly - Proverbs 1

I wish I had a better understanding of the "Fear of the Lord." While I certainly don't want to return the 1800-style fire-and-brimstone preaching each week - I think we have lost something by leaving that completely behind.

A friend and I have been talking about a story we found in the NY Times a few weeks ago - about a few "mega-churches" who have begun supporting teams of MMA fighters. (For those of you who don't know, MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts and is the type of fighting seen on TV often described as UFC - takes place in an octagon shaped ring with fencing around it. The sport itself is rather controversial and has been banned in some states for being too violent.) It seems that these large churches are using the attraction of this sport to attract males in their 20s who are typically absent from church life. (www.nytimes.com/2010/02/02/us/02fight.html)

While I certainly wouldn't want to see an MMA team develop at Faith, and think that there is much there that runs contrary to our beliefs, it does stand up against what my friend refers to as the "Christian wuss factor." (My friend is a church organist with several relatives in seminary/clergy - he speaks from the inside on this issue.) We have become so obsessed with "turning the other cheek" that we're mired in the role of helpless victim. We worry so much about nurturing that we fail to hold people accountable for their actions.

Today we are called on reclaim the Fear of the Lord - to recognize God's power. Wisdom goes into the center of the cities power points - the gates and business centers and market squares - and cries out. Wisdom is daring and brave and risk-taking. Following God's word is not for wimps. There are expectations and there are consequences.

As an aside - as part of my Lenten discipline, I am spending one day a week (usually Friday) off-line. No email, no internet for a day. I failed last week, but I will not be on the computer tomorrow.